Page 74 of Dead End

“I remember now.” Occasionally the river’s calming effect would be too great, and we’d find souls snoozing along the riverbank. I’d gotten a kick out of that as a young goddess.

“Are you sure you didn’t drink the water?” Lethe asked. “You seem awfully forgetful for someone who was raised here.”

“I’m forgetful for reasons that have nothing to do with the river.”

“I’d love to hear about it.” The nymph folded her arms on the riverbank while her body remained steeped in water.

A memory floated to the surface. “You listen to their life stories.” Lethe collected those stories the way a dragon hoarded treasure.

“Only those who feel inclined to share. Some of them can’t swallow fast enough to forget.” She snorted. “Now those are the stories I’d really like to hear.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not here to drink, only to get across.”

One eyebrow popped into a V-formation. “Are you sure about that? You looked ready to sample the goods.”

“I had to sit with myself for a minute, but I’m good now. The moment passed.”

“Most souls need the catharsis.”

“I’m not here as a soul.”

She rested her chin on the heel of her hand. “Whyareyou here? This is the mortal entryway.”

“My visit is unexpected. I wasn’t meant to be here until summer solstice.”

Her green eyes sparked with interest. “Oh, right. I heard about Hestia’s demand.”

Gossip was as ripe and ready here as in Fairhaven. “What else did you hear?”

“Not much. Everybody knows Hestia has wanted to leave for a long time. I was surprised to learn she gave you until summer solstice.”

“Has the underworld been stable?” I almost added “since my parents left,” but I didn’t want to invoke them in the conversation.

“Relatively. Just because Hestia doesn’t enjoy the role doesn’t mean she isn’t reasonably good at it.”

That was the way I looked at it. Just because I didn’t want to be here didn’t mean I was doomed to fail. And I knew the underworld was better off in my hands than The Corporation’s. This territory would stay protected from their undue influence.

“Why do you ask?” Lethe stretched her neck forward, ears eager.

“No particular reason.”

She slipped away from the river’s edge and bobbed in the water. “Well, I, for one, am glad you didn’t drink. Now that you’re back home, I hope you’ll visit. I always enjoyed your company.”

“I’ll do my best.” I had no idea how much work would be involved in running a realm by myself. I couldn’t even maintain the Castle without help. I’d have to rely on those who’d served under my parents and Hestia to act as my advisors.

“Would you like company as you wade across? You’re the last one in this group.”

I glanced to the other side where the souls had gathered. “Sure.”

I entered the water. Unlike the icy temperature of Acheron, Lethe was warm and inviting.

“I’m surprised you were able to get on the ferry without a coin.”

“I brought one, but he refused to accept it. I’m not a soul seeking admittance.”

“Technically you are,” Lethe said, “but I take your point.”

“How’s your mother?” I asked.

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